Many disabled individuals in the U.S. receive public benefits from programs that place restrictions on the dollar amount (typically $2,000) of assets a recipient can own. Medicaid and SSI are two examples. Federal and state law allow the establishment of certain...

Having a power of attorney (or POA) is at least as important as having a will. That’s the opinion I’ve come to after 24 years helping individual clients and families in private practice. As people’s lifespans have increased, many spend more years than ever with a...

When Congress passed the new budget deal October 30, it also included changes to the rules for claiming Social Security benefits. The new rules will end a popular claiming strategy that allowed claimants to receive more in benefits over their lifetimes. The change...

Financial exploitation of the elderly “is rising fast,” according to the cover article of Consumer Reports’ November 2015 issue. The article cites one study that concluded that nearly 1 in 20 seniors in America report having been financially exploited in their later...

Many of the challenges our clients face as they age stem from loss of cognitive ability. They need to rely on the agents they appoint in their powers of attorney and health care directives because they can’t process information and make decision the way they used to....

Imagine that your husband recently suffered a stroke. After a stay in the hospital, he now resides in a nursing home. His doctor tells you your husband will not likely improve and will need to stay at the home indefinitely. You worry how you will pay for care at...

Elder Law Topics

About Andrew Sykes

The founder of Sykes Elder Law, Andrew Sykes is recognized as a leading elder law authority in Western Pennsylvania. Mr. Sykes is the past chair of the Elder Law Committee of the Allegheny County Bar Association.